My 2001 Miata is a bit over 60,000 miles at which point the timing belt is recommended to be replaced. Anyone have any guidance on DIY in this area and any other maintenance to consider performing at the same time?
I’d recommend inspecting the camshaft and crank seals and replacing the water pump. Water pump replacement is iffy at 60k, but cheap insurance to replace it since it’s driven by that timing belt.
At 120k you’ll want to replace the cam/crank seals and the water pump.
Take out the spark plugs. You’ll also have to take off the valve cover where you’ll find that there are hex flats on the camshafts. Spin the engine by hand to line the cam gear marks up with the lines on the plate behind them and the crank at TDC on piston 1. Use 2 wrenches on the camshaft flats and have them cross each other to make an X. Use a clamp or large set of vise grips to hold the wrenches in place. This will keep your cams aligned and make it MUCH easier to put the belt back on correctly.
RJ
A guy who has done a few of these…
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You also have been on borrowed time. Most belt specs are 60,000 or 10 years, whichever comes first.
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On the plus side, the Miata uses a non-interference engine. If the belt breaks, Jay will simply be stranded on the road and a replacement belt will get the car running again. It ain’t no Honda! 
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